NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., January 1, 2025 – President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Kush Desai as Deputy Press Secretary, making him one of the key figures in the administration’s communications team. Desai will work under Deputy White House Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budowich in the White House Office of Communications.
A seasoned political strategist with a journalism background, Desai brings significant experience to the role. He previously served as Deputy Communications Director for the 2024 Republican National Convention and as Communications Director for the Republican Party of Iowa. His work at the Republican National Committee (RNC) as Deputy Battleground States and Pennsylvania Communications Director helped shape messaging strategies in key battleground states during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Desai’s roots in journalism began at The Daily Caller, where he worked as a reporter from 2017 to 2018. He later transitioned into political communications, leveraging his understanding of the media landscape to craft strategic messaging for Republican campaigns.
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Desai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and was recognized as a James O. Freedman Presidential Research Scholar. Fluent in both English and Gujarati, he credits his bicultural background for shaping his worldview and communication skills.
Desai’s appointment is significant as he joins a growing list of Indian-Americans serving in high-profile positions in the U.S. government. In his new role, he will assist in shaping the administration’s public messaging and maintaining communication with the media.
As Deputy Press Secretary, Desai will be responsible for managing press relations and supporting the White House’s messaging strategy during a pivotal time in Trump’s administration.
